MEET THE CAST OF LODS SPRING AWAKENING
We fired some questions at our fabulous principles so you can get to know them better. Introducing the cast of SPRING AWAKENING!…
JAMES COHEN IS MELCHIOR
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“I joined last October, so this is my second show, although I did the Drowsy Chaperone with LODS about six years ago, so technically my third.”
Why did you join?
“I joined LODS because I haven’t really done any form of performing since I left college and I was missing that feeling you get when you’ve just performed.”
What was the last Musical you saw?
“The last musical I saw was Kinky boots. Didn’t think I’d like it, but I loved it.”
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“Dream role would have to be Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys.”
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
“I’d like to think in the office working, however if you asked my parents they’d probably say down the pub..?”
What is your favourite Spring Awakening song and why?
“My favourite song in Spring Awakening currently is ‘Touch Me.’ There is a part in it, sung by Declan in our version that sounds AMAZING!”
Describe your character in Spring Awakening in 3 words.
“Melchior is Intelligent, witty and inquisitive.”
Why do you think people should see the show?
“1. Because it’s LODS, and you know you won’t be disappointed. 2. I can promise you, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. There’s no feathers and no Jazz hands, so something completely out of the ordinary!”
EVA TOBIN IS WENDLA
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“I joined in December 2013 so almost 5 years ago! Spring Awakening is my 11th show with LODS :)”
Why did you join?
“I wasn’t really enjoying college at the time and missed doing theatre as a hobby, so I auditioned for LODS after seeing them do A Christmas Carol and got in! Wahay!”
What was the last Musical you saw?
“The last musical I saw was School of Rock! Love that show! All the kids play their instruments live which is incredible.”
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“Hmmm… probably Eponine in Les Miserables, it’s one of my favourite shows! Although Wendla pretty much feels like a dream part too haha!”
When not at rehearsals I can usually be found…
“Making music with my band Hollow County, with a new song coming out soon… plug plug plug”
What is your favourite song in Spring Awakening?
“Hmmm, overall probably Song of Purple Summer, it’s such a gorgeous finale song, however I also love singing Those You’ve Known.”
Describe your Spring Awakening character in 3 words
“Careful, innocent and curious.”
Why should people come and see Spring Awakening
“Because it really is a show like no other! The music is incredible and the story covers such important subjects. It’s such an edgy and unique show and I’m so proud to be a part of it with such a wonderful cast!”
MATT WALLACE IS MORITZ
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“I have been a member of LODS since 2009! I now feel old…”
Why did you join?
“I wanted a hobby to keep me busy after work so I joined LODS. I enjoy performing and socialising and this gives me both! I feel LODS have a reputation for putting on great shows with its talented members and takes risks with its choice of productions (including this one). “
What was the last musical you saw?
“The last musical I saw was ‘Copacabana’ put on by LODS 6 months ago (I don’t get out much)…”
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“Recently I’ve started thinking that I would like to play ‘Judas’ in Jesus Christ Superstar. I usually look at a part based on the songs the character sings. I enjoy singing rocky songs and that part would certainly offer me that.”
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
“When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found in Vodka Revolution or Chameleon with fellow cast member James Cohen. If not there then I will probably be playing a gig with my band ‘Rooskin’.”
What is your favourite Spring Awakening song and why?
“It would have been ‘Don’t Do Sadness’ but I have sung it too many times now so I will go with ‘The Bitch of Living’. It’s a number with the lads, gives an introduction to our characters, has attitude and enjoy the general feel of the song.”
Describe your character in 3 words
“Livewire, Isolated, Sporadic”
Why do you think people should see the show?
“I think people should come see this show because it is very different from anything we have done before. You will certainly feel some sort of emotion if you do see it. I feel like it explores issues that are current and lastly the cast, songs and show is brilliant!”
ROSIE MUNNS IS ILSE
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“Umm, my first show was ‘Spamalot’ so… maybe 2 ½ years? Yeah, let’s go with that.”
Why did you join?
“After graduating I really missed performing and I’ve always heard such great things about the society, so the decision was easy!”
What was the last Musical you saw?
“The last musical I saw was technically ‘Heathers’ but I wanna say ‘Hamilton’ cause it just blew my mind. (Heathers was still great though)”
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“Ah jeez, too many! Regina has some boss songs in Mean Girls, Fanny Brice from Funny Girl, if I ever had the vocal range – good old Elphaba! …also, if I could gender swap, BURRRRR!”
When not at rehearsals I can usually be found…
“Covered in dust or paint, renovating my first home with my melon-head boyfriend (go follow @rosieandlukegaff peeps ;))”
What is your favourite song in Spring Awakening?
“My fav number to perform is ‘Totally F*cked’ because we can just rock out but my fav number to watch is ‘Those You’ve Known’… those guys make me wanna cry with that one every time!”
Describe your Spring Awakening character in 3 words
“Haunted, Whimsical, Hopeful.”
Why should people come and see Spring Awakening?
“This show is truly one of a kind, it’s so moving and its messages are so relevant!”
REBECCA WALLACE IS MARTHA
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“I have been a member of LODS since 2013 but it definitely feels longer!”
Why did you join?
“I joined because I did a few shows with LODS as a kid and loved it! Wouldn’t have gone anywhere else.”
What was the last Musical you saw?
“The last musical I saw was ‘Hamilton’.”
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“If I could play any role I would say Nina from ‘In The Heights’.”
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
“When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found out drinking and dancing with my friends”
What is your favourite song in Spring Awakening?
“I don’t have a particular favourite (I love them all!) however if having to pick I would say The Dark I Know Well, I love this song and singing with Rosie is fab!”
Describe your character in Spring Awakening in 3 words.
“If I had to describe Marta in 3 words I would say; damaged, desperate and naïve”
Why do you think people should see the show?
“People should see Spring Awakening as it’s completely different to anything LODS have ever done before. It’s great to see something different being done in the community which definitely isn’t ‘safe’ but covers topics which should be spoken about more often.”
SAM BLYTH IS HANSCHEN
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“I have been a member for 2 years now and this is my 5th show with LODs.”
Why did you join?
“I watched LODS perform ‘made in Dagenham’ a couple years back whilst working back stage. I saw the thrill and the fun that the cast had when performing and that’s what made me want to join. The endless array of talent and dedication to shows and their members is unmatched in the Amdram world and I wanted to be a part of it!”
What was the last Musical you saw?
“The last musical I saw was ‘The Book of Mormon”
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“My dream role would be Shrek in Shrek the Musical. Apart from being my all-time favourite childhood movie, the vocals are powerful, the score is magnificent and you get to be painted green!”
When not at rehearsals I can usually be found…
“When I’m not at rehearsals you’ll find me either on the piano or painting set for future shows… of course with a nice Rum and Coke in hand!”
What is your favourite song in Spring Awakening?
“My favourite song is ‘Bitch of Living’, it’s really energetic, fun and it introduces all the boys’ characters to the show. #lads”
Describe your Spring Awakening character in 3 words
“Confident, clever, and sexually-motivated.”
Why should people come and see Spring Awakening?
“This isn’t your average Joe musical. It’s not all singing and dancing, but it’s also not all about hanky panky either, there is a powerful and intriguingly complex story that faces everyday issues teenagers have in life. It’s definitely one you want to see this autumn”
JASON WEIR IS ERNST
NATALIE MCMILLAN IS THEA
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“I joined LODS in 2013 and performed in A Christmas Carol. I have done every show since… oops.”
Why did you join?
“I joined because I have loved acting and singing for a LONG time (being involved in my local youth theatre) and I moved to the area and asked where the place to be was? The lovely Emma King said LODS for sure!”
What was the last Musical you saw?
“Little shop of horrors by the Palace Summer youth. Such a great musical. I want to be Audrey…
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“So many! Rizzo from Grease, Roxie from Chicago, Janis AND Regina from Mean girls. Any villain/ girl with attitude!”
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
“With my fiancé (ha) and my puppy Leela of course!”
What is your favourite song in Spring Awakening?
“Tricky, but I really like ‘Totally F*cked’ because we get to go a bit wild and sassy.”
Describe your character in Spring Awakening in 3 words.
“Excitable, controlling and naïve.”
Why do you think people should see the show?
“The cast are amazingly talented, the songs and music hook you in every time. It is different and risky and edgy and rude… rather rude. But it also deals with real life issues and gets pretty deep.”
DECLAN WRIGHT IS GEORG
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“I joined LODS in May 2018 so only a couple of months! Spring Awakening marks my FIRST show”
Why did you join?
“I have appreciated the high standard of performance that LODS produce and i really wanted to be a part of it! I have seen every LODS show since 2014; Footloose being my first, only missing Betty Blue Eyes due to uni”
What was the last Musical you saw?
“The last musical I saw was Little Shop of Horrors! It was a great show. My friend played Audrey and she was AMAZING! She is a phenomenal performer!”
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“Erm… I don’t know! I have a top 5 that i keep rotating….:
1. Clyde – Bonnie and Clyde
2. Evan – Dear Evan Hansen
3. Tony – West Side Story
4. Seymour – Little Shop of Horrors
5. JD – Heathers
Any of those roles would be a DREAM!”
When not at rehearsals I can usually be found…
“At University! Im in my 3rd year so the hard work has really started! I am not looking forward to writing my dissertation… I think then you’ll find me hidden in a dark corner crying…”
What is your favourite song in Spring Awakening?
“I love performing ‘Touch Me’! Its the only real moment I get to have a good belt out and show off!…However, i love the girls singing ‘Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise)’ as its such a great opener to the show, and really sets the standard for the rest of us!”
Describe your Spring Awakening character in 3 words
“Introvert, Laughable, Sincere.”
Why should people come and see Spring Awakening?
“There has not been a production like this in Southend before! You don’t wanna miss this production as you don’t know when another one will come around!”
REBECCA GOODEVE IS ANNA
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“I joined the company in October 2017 so this is my second show with LODS!”
Why did you join?
“I wanted to join LODS as they produce absolutely stunning productions with such talented people and thought it would be a privilege to be a part of such an amazing society.”
What was the last Musical you saw?
“The last musical I saw was ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre”
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“If I could play any role it would be a tough call between Veronica Sawyer (Heathers) and Christine Daaé (Phantom of the Opera) for me, both characters go on such an emotional journey that I think would be so fun to portray – I love any story that’s a bit dark and gritty and pushes your acting to that next level.”
When not at rehearsals I can usually be found…
“When I’m not at rehearsals you can most probably find me either at the theatre or at a gig! I’m a sucker for anything live and immersive.”
What is your favourite song in Spring Awakening?
“TOUCH MEEEEEEEE is by far my favourite song in Spring Awakening. It was the first song I ever heard and I instantly fell in love with the show! The harmonies are so beautiful and haunting. “
Describe your Spring Awakening character in 3 words
“If I had to describe Anna in three words, I’d say she’s open-minded, innocent and playful”
Why should people come and see Spring Awakening?
“If the incredible music alone isn’t a good enough excuse to come and see this show, I think you should come and see Spring Awakening as it really offers something different to the musical theatre world. Its unconventional approach is so captivating and inspiring it’ll leave you wanting more!”
DAVID GILLET IS OTTO
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“Member for nearly a year so far”
Why did you join?
“I joined LODS because they are a company that is constantly pushing themselves, in choices of productions, so that its members develop as performers.”
What was the last Musical you saw?
“The last musical I saw was ‘Everbody’s Talking About Jamie’”
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“My dream part is ‘Ms Trunchaball’ in Matilda the Musical because, she is awesome….period.”
When not at rehearsals I can usually be found…
“When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found drinking red wine, and delving into my next Netflix series… (Watch ‘Wild Wild Country’ people!!!)”
What is your favourite song in Spring Awakening?
“My favourite spring awakening song is ‘Totally F*cked’ as I love the energy and the ability to just let loose in the number.”
Describe your Spring Awakening character in 3 words
“Driven, confused, eager”
Why should people come and see Spring Awakening?
“I think that people should see this show as it really pushes the limits of what a musical is. It actually tackles real life issues for teens and is unashamed of not hiding away from the truths that these issues can bring…”
KATHY WARD IS MARIANNA
How long have you been a member of LODS?
“12 years, I joined LODS in 2006 for Fiddler on the Roof”
Why did you join?
“Keiron Root (a LODS member who sadly passed away a few years ago) had been saying I should join LODS for ages and I finally listened to him!”
What was the last Musical you saw?
“The last musical I saw was School of Rock but more excitingly, the next musical I’m going to see is the new version of Company, i can’t wait!”
If you could play any role, what would it be?
“I’d love to play Eponine in Les Mis or Ado Annie in Oklahoma (bit of a difference!)”
When not at rehearsals I can usually be found…
“…looking after my two little girls, Sophia and Eloise”
Describe your Spring Awakening character in 3 words
“My character can be summed up as serious, caring and loyal”
Why should people come and see Spring Awakening?
“It’s a brilliant musical about teenagers trying to understand the world around them which is just as topical now as it was when the play was written in the 1890s – plus it’s got a kick-ass score!”
To see the finished product book your tickets below. We are at the Palace Theatre from 17th – 20th October 2018. Can’t wait to see you there!
